MANILA, June 24, 2016— Pope Francis has played a key role in the advanced screening of a Filipino-produced film at the Vatican, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said.
“Ignacio de Loyola” became the first Filipino film produced by the Jesuit Communications (JesCom) to screen at a theatre inside Vatican on June 14 with the help of the pontiff.
The pope was not able to watch the historical drama about the founder of his religious order, the Society of Jesus, but he facilitated the film viewing, according to Tagle.
The cardinal said he spoke with the pope about the possibility of screening the film in the Vatican, and the latter directed him to contact Italian Msgr. Dario Vigano, director of the Vatican’s communications operations.
“Although the pope was not able to watch it, he arranged (the film’s screening),” said Tagle.
Fr. Emmanuel Alfonso, JesCom Executive Director, said Pope Francis also sent a representative to watch the film along with other Vatican luminaries and members of Catholic media organizations in Italy.
According to him, the Vatican offered to facilitate the showing of the film over an Italian television network but they have not made any agreement yet.
“We want it to be played in theatres first,” Alfonso said.
He also said the film is in English and will have a special screening for the media at Gateway mall in Cubao, Quezon City on July 24.
Alfonso said expected guests include Spanish famous actor Andreas Muñoz, who plays the title role.
Ignacio de Loyola will premier in Philippine cinemas on July 27. (CBCPNews)
